Author(s): Heyddy Calderon; Julio Luna Aroche; Maria Gabriela Castrellon; Marjorie Toruno; Belkys Aguilar; Karolina Dtrinidad; Orlando Quinonez; Enoc Castillo; Erwin Rueda

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Hydroclimatic extremes; Central American Dry Corridor; Hydrogeological map; Resilience and preparedness

Abstract: The Central American Dry Corridor (CADC) is a dry forest ecoregion which extends from Southern Mexico through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and the northern part of Costa Rica. It also includes a region of Panama known as the Dry Arc. The CADC is characterized by dry periods longer than six months and relatively low precipitations ranging from 400 mm/y to 1200 mm/y in the areas of more severe drought. There are about 10.5 million people living in this ecoregion, out of which 3.5 million need humanitarian assistance and 1.5 million face food insecurity. Most literature about the CADC is related to the precipitation and aridity regimes, soil use and livelihoods. To our best knowledge, there is no comprehensive analysis of the hydrogeology. Groundwater resources could buffer the impact of droughts in this regions, given their slower reaction to precipitation changes than surface water resources. This work aimed at analyzing the hydrogeological characteristics of the CADC, identifying the most promising aquifers to provide water for these vulnerable populations, taking into account geologic and hydrogeological properties. We produced the first general hydrogeological map of the CADC, identifying porous and fractured volcanic aquifers as the most promising. We propose that the identified aquifers need to be studied in more detail to allow smart and sustainable groundwater development planning. This is very much needed to improve preparedness and resilience of populations vulnerable to hydroclimatic extremes. The map can be a useful guide for groundwater investigation and development for decision makers and local stakeholder organizations, such as the Community drinking water and sanitation committees from Nicaragua (CAPs). However, this general map needs to evolve into a more advanced instrument, incorporating more detailed information on aquifer potentials and analysis of aquifer vulnerability, especially to climatic events.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/IAHR-39WC2521711920221205

Year: 2022